Style: Tripel
Brewery: Brouwerij Trappisten Westmalle
Origin: Blegium
Size: 75cl
Alcohol: 9.5%
Price: 93kr
Systembolaget: 58913
Westmalle Brewery, also known as Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle, is a Trappist brewery based in Belgium. It produces three beers that are designated as Trappist beer by the International Trappist Association (ITA). This beer is credited with being the first golden strong pale ale to use the term Tripel, and was first brewed in 1934. It is made with pale candy sugar and has a very pale colour produced from a mash of light pilsner malts. Styrian Goldings, Saaz and a few German varieties of hops are used for bitterness. It is then bottled with a dose of sugar and yeast for secondary fermentation. When I think about beers that are reminiscent of champagne, one of the first styles that pops into my mind is the tripel. As this is the original and pretty much still the best, I knew it would be great to have as an example of an amazing beer to celebrate the New Year with.
Highly carbonated with a pale straw colour, this beer poured with a massive, fluffy head that stayed for a long time. The aroma was as lovely as ever, with hay, yeast, banana, herbs and honey present. The taste was big and bold, with the spicy notes backing up the wheat, fruity esters and straw. The alcohol was warming, and added to the beer in both flavour and aftertaste. It was dry, yet refreshing, and so easy to drink for a 9.5% beer.
What is there to say about this beer? It is such a classic, and one that everyone should try at some stage in their life. I have yet to try another beer in the same style that’s better than this, so please track this down and give it a go if you haven’t before. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed by this world-class beer.